From: ddoyle9570@aol.com
Date: Mon Aug 12 2002 - 05:51:51 PDT
In a message dated Mon, 12 Aug 2002 1:21:35 AM Eastern Standard Time, jnewton@laurel.com writes:
> I definitely do not want to use any metal chain or
> cable...too
> dangerous!
This brings up a couple of things.....IF the chain or cable is properly sized, they won't break either. IF not properly sized, even the strap will break. I have used the government supplied tow chain to pull things one shouldn't (tank, trees, even used one to couple a five ton to the nose of a deuce, and used a second to then couple the deuce to a stump...and none failed). On the other hand I have broken a number of lessor chains.
Keep in mind that you will be attaching the nylon strap to the METAL pintle hook, which is bolted to the METAL crossmember. Without looking it up, I recall that the Holland Hitch Company rates that pintle hook at either 20K or 30K. Since the Aberdeen Proving Grounds report T-24518 lists the drawbar pull of a M34 in 4 tests as ranging from 10270 lbs to 17125 lbs there is the possibility that two coupled together could exceed the hitch rating. While failure is unlikely, in the event of failure and injury, I am sure this fact will come out. I have no test data on multifuel trucks (yet), but I would be surprised if there was a tremendous increase in the numbers above.
Just hope no one shows up with a GMC M135. The same test ahs their pulls ranging from 29440 to 41975 lbs.
Hope this helps,
David Doyle
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